United Methodist Church, Bath
BATH — Bath United Methodist Church is hosting “Nativity by Candlelight,” on Friday, Dec. 12, from 4:30- 6 p.m.
The public event is free at 340 Oak Grove Drive.
There will be beautiful Nativity displays aglow, Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and coffee, a birthday cake for Baby Jesus, and kids crafts.
Dresden-Richmond United Methodist Church, Richmond
RICHMOND — The Dresden Richmond United Methodist Church is planning several special services for the Christmas season.
On Thursday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m., the church will celebrate the Blue Christmas Service. For those for whom this is a difficult season we invite them to join us. Light refreshments follow the service.
On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a candlelight service to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.
The worship service time will change permanently on Sunday, Dec. 28, to 11 a.m. The young people will present a program during the service.
First Parish Church, Brunswick
BRUNSWICK — On Thursday, Dec. 18, at 12:10 p.m., organist Ray Cornils will present a 45-minute concert of Christmas music at First Parish Church.
Cornils will include settings of engaging and enjoyable holiday music by J. S. Bach, Denis Bedard, Richard Purvis, Keith Chapman, Richard Ellsasser and Adolphe Adam in this annual Christmas program.
The concert will feature the historic organ built in 1883 for the church by the Hutchings/Plaisted company of Boston.
Known for his creative programming and ability to communicate with his audiences, Ray Cornils has served First Parish Church for the past 27 years. He is also Portland’s municipal organist and a member of the music faculties at Bowdoin College and the University of Southern Maine. He has concertized throughout the United States as well as in Europe, South America and New Zealand.
The concert is open to the public. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door. Students and children are free. First Parish Church, UCC, is located on Maine Street at Bath Road (next to Bowdoin College).
For more information, call 729-7331.
Day’s Ferry Congregational Church
WOOLWICH — Everyone is invited to be a part of Day’s Ferry Congregational Church’s annual “Come As You Are” Christmas pageant. No rehearsals, no stress, just fun as we experience the meaning of the birth of Jesus to Mary and Joseph and all of us.
Bring a willing and Christmas-y spirit and we will provide the costumes, the music, and the carols.
Whether you’ve ever been to Day’s Ferry or not, whether you are young or old or in-between, come and live the Biblical Christmas story in worship, prayer and song. Meet us at the manger at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21.
On Wednesday, Dec. 24, the church will hold its annual Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols at 5 p.m., led by the Rev. Alan Baughcum.
The service will feature music director Paul Althouse, soloist Roxane Althouse and “Carol of the Bells,” arranged for flutes and cello.
Day’s Ferry Church is located at 50 Old Stage Road, just off Route 128. For more information, email daysferrycc@gmail.com or call 443- 4401.
Wiscasset Church of the Nazarene
WISCASSET — The Sky Family of Prince Edward Island will be leading a Celtic Christmas on Sunday at Wiscasset Church of the Nazarene, on Dec. 21, at 11 a.m.
The church is located at 255 Gardiner Road.
They’re a cross between the high intensity Irish step dance of Riverdance and good humor and fast paced Celtic fiddle music, mixed thoroughly with a blend of Gospel seasoning.
The Sky Family has toured from coast to coast in the U.S. and Canada for the last six years and their song “Blossom” is getting radio play.
The production consists of world class Irish dance combined with lively fiddle music and songs rich in harmonies. Woven throughout are humorous stories and inspirational testimonies. It is a great time for the whole family. Little ones to grandparents and all ages between are equally engaged in the high-stepping dance.
Each member performs on several instruments and all contribute to the rich vocal harmonies and dance. Hailing from the North Shore of Prince Edward Island they uniquely capture the Celtic influence of that region and now have the delight of sharing it with audiences from coast to coast.
For more information, call 882-9088.
All Saints Parish
BRUNSWICK — The season of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church. A season marked by anticipation and hope it is a good time for every Catholic, active or inactive, current or former, to experience Christ’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
“The Light is ON for You” is an initiative of the Roman Catholic Church that highlights the importance of receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance/ Confession), the source of God’s mercy and healing love, in the life of Catholics.
The Diocese of Portland makes the practice more available by opening the doors of its churches in hopes that every Catholic will accept this special invitation to experience Christ’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Advent season.
Locally three churches from All Saints Parish will be joining other Roman Catholic churches throughout the diocese to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation available to those who wish to the receive the healing power of God.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held from 6- 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at St. Mary Church, 144 Lincoln St., Bath; 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at St. Patrick Church, 380 Academy Hill Road, Newcastle; and 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at St. John the Baptist Church, 35 Pleasant St., Brunswick. One or more priests will be present at each location for these special evening hours.
The sacrament will also be available at the regularly scheduled times of 3-3:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and 20, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick; St. Mary Church; and up to 15 minutes before Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 82 Atlantic Ave., Boothbay Harbor; St. Patrick Church; and St. Ambrose Church, 29 Kimball St., Richmond, or by making an appointment with the priest.
Come for the healing power of God’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation or come and spend an hour in silent prayer. For more information, call the parish office at 725-2624 or visit the parish website at www.allsaintsmaine.com.
Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church, Topsham
TOPSHAM — The Rev. Bob Beringer, author of “Anchors for Life,” will be preaching Sunday, Dec. 7, during the 10:10 a.m. service at Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church. This weekend marks the second Sunday of Advent, and will also include the celebration of the Lord’s supper.
On Sunday, Dec. 14, the Rev. Barrie Shepherd, author of “Faces at the Manger,” will be preaching for the third Sunday of Advent.
Both guest preachers will be available following worship for book signing.
The church is located at 84 Main St.
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